In today’s world, developing a solid online presence is critical when building and growing a successful business. Laundromats can harness technology in many ways, from creating a website and establishing a Google Business Profile to embracing social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Engaging with customers on social media is one of the best ways your laundromat can find new customers and keep existing ones coming back.
Your laundromat’s online presence is one of its most important launching points. Before tackling strategies for engaging with customers on social media, start with the essentials: a dedicated website and a Google Business Profile.
Building a Website
Your website doesn’t need to be overly complicated, but remember that a well-designed, well-maintained website can help connect you to customers and the community, establish your business, and showcase your establishment’s offerings. At a minimum, your website should clearly list important information about your laundromat, like hours, location, contact information, and services offered. Keep your website maintained and updated, and double-check that all the information is correct and all the links work.
Creating a Google Business Profile
Having a Google Business Profile is critical. It ensures that your laundromat will appear in Google search results and Google Maps when potential customers search for laundromats. Creating a basic Google profile is easy and free.
Harnessing Social Media
The next step in building your business’s online presence is to leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to connect with current and potential customers. Be smart when deciding which platforms to use. You don’t need a presence on every social media platform; choose the ones that make the most sense for your business and marketing strategy. Remember, though, that you need to post consistently no matter what social media platform you use. Why? People expect engagement on social media. More importantly, the more consistently you post, the more likely it is that the algorithm shows your posts to users.
Why Social Media Matters
What will engaging with customers on social media accomplish, and how can it help your laundromat?
Brand Visibility
At the most basic level, establishing a social media presence and regularly posting content is a great way to increase your brand visibility. The more you post, the better your odds of reaching more people. The more people your posts reach, the more name recognition your laundromat gains, and more brand visibility can lead to more customers.
Special Offers and Promotions
People love finding a good deal, and social media is one of the best ways to promote ongoing deals, offers, or promotions. You can use your website and social media profile to advertise ongoing or upcoming deals or promotions, but don’t stop with the basics. Get people talking and in your door with deals that require timely action: flash sales, prizes for the first 100 customers through the door, social media contests, scavenger hunts, time-limited buy-one-get-one coupons sent to regular customers, deep referral discounts for regulars who bring a friend, and more. Create a buzz on social media, and reward people for taking action.
Customer Relationship Management
Social media makes it easy to respond directly to customers’ questions and complaints as they arise. Respond promptly, clearly, and helpfully to customer questions and feedback. Customers like feeling heard, and direct engagement is a great way to show that you care. Along the way, you’ll also receive important feedback about potential areas of improvement for your business.
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How else can you use social media to your advantage? Posting glowing reviews or testimonials, teaming up with other local organizations or businesses for promotions, and using targeted hashtags to drive traffic are just a few ways social media can work for you.
Social media is indispensable for laundromats who want to grow and connect with their community. But while social media can get customers through the door, you must deliver excellent service if you want them to keep coming back. Reliable washers and dryers that get the job done without any fuss are essential.
If you’re looking for a reliable distributor, check out Laundry Solutions Company, a full-service provider of premium vended, on-premises, and multi-housing commercial laundry equipment. Our leasing program provides no mileage fees, no service fees, and no parts fees. You can use high-quality Speed Queen equipment while enjoying a flexible lease and predictable payments. To learn more about our products and services, please call us at 800-383-9274 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!